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Wednesday, May 02, 2012

Detroit Housing Commission Employees Face Federal Corruption Charges

Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena, HUD-OIG Deputy Special Agent in Charge Breck Nowlin, and U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, on behalf of the FBI-led Public Corruption Task Force, announced yesterday the filing of a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District court for the Eastern District of Michigan. According to the affidavit, Alisa Royster and Kim Walton were allegedly involved in the fraudulent acquisition of vouchers valued at more than $5,000 from an agency receiving more than $10,000 under a federal program.

From on or about July 2008 until on or about September 2010, both of these individuals allegedly conspired to fraudulently issue housing choice vouchers. Through their alleged fraudulent acts, they knowingly stole and obtained thousands of dollars from federal programs designed to help low income families.

The dedication, hard work, and collaboration of all those involved has already resulted in a countless number of violations exposed. The focus of the task force will continue to be on corruption at all levels of local, state, and federal government. With assistance and cooperation, the task force is rooted in its mission to end public corruption in our area.

The FBI-led Public Corruption Task Force consists of the FBI, Office of U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, Office of Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, IRS-CID, HUD-OIG, EPA-CID, DOT-OIG, Michigan State Police, and Detroit Police.

If you have any information related to these crimes or other public corruption, please contact the FBI Detroit Office at (313) 965-2323.

A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.